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The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings

The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.

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Activities & Mission

The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.

Grants

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings makes grants as part of its work.

Gives grants to
organisations and individuals
Grants paid (2025)
£6,620
Who it helps
the general public
What it supports
education and training, arts, culture, heritage, or science and the environment, conservation, or heritage

As recorded with the Charity Commission. To ask about applying, use the contact details and check the trustees and latest accounts below.

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Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Financial Information

Latest Income
£1,076,833
Latest Expenditure
£2,178,767

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 174.4%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 86.2%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 15.2%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £139,287
Charitable Activities £672,076
Other Trading £142,883
Investments £101,160
Other Income £21,427

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £1,877,550
Raising Funds £301,217
Governance £29,703
Grants to Institutions £6,620
Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2025
£1,076,833
£2,178,767£1,877,550£6,377,323£3,989,43123 / 400
2024
£2,606,185
£1,933,129£1,690,457£7,062,610£4,623,21522 / 400
2023
£2,344,731
£1,790,104£1,584,956£6,131,777£3,784,31622 / 400
2022
£2,023,768
£1,703,225£1,483,109£5,358,211£2,670,00030 / 400
2021
£1,602,967
£1,874,006£1,579,645£5,470,930£2,510,00030 / 400

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings

What does The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings do?

The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.

How much income did The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings report in 2025?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings reported total income of £1.08m and reported expenditure of £2.18m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings registered as a charity?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 12 April 2006 as charity number 1113753. It has been registered for 20 years.

Who runs The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings is governed by a board of 10 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings operate?

The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.

Is The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings a registered charity?

Yes — The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1113753.

Details

Contact (address, email, phone)
Registration Date
12 April 2006
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
4022687
Charity Number
1113753

Trustees

Andrew Paul Dalton Walker
Carole Leith
Charles Wagner
Clare Isobel Birks
Also governs 1 other charity
Duncan McCallum
Georgina Ruth Nayler MBE
Lewis Thomas Hobbs
Also governs 2 other charities
Louise Bainbridge
Lucy Emma Newport
Tyler Lott-Johnson

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
2 November 2026
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